Freshman at Jersey City's McNair Academic High School is county's top singles tennis player

Lauren Casselberry/The Jersey JournalMcNair's Vanessa Canda hits a shot during the Hudson County Girls Tennis Team Tournament Championship against Sarah Vargas of Kearny.

McNair's Vanessa Canda wasted little time asserting herself as Hudson County's premier singles player in only her first season of high school tennis.

Canda went undefeated against county opponents, claimed the Hudson County Girls Tennis Tournament first singles title, and led McNair to a 19-3 record -- as a freshmanMcNair coach Alex Taunean said Canda's early success lies in her well rounded game and ability to do just about everything on the court.

"She has a solid all-around game, the complete technical arsenal," said Taunean, who also cited Canda's footwork as a strength. "She definitely tries to play her game. She looks for opportunities to capitalize and put balls away. She's very solid, she doesn't give up many points."

While Canda (22-1) ripped through her slate of county opponents this season, her lone loss came in state tournament play to Hightstown's Sheha Rangu. The defeat served as a humbling reminder of the work the McNair freshman still needs to put in.

"It motivated her, and I think it was a great learning experience to play up at that level," Taunean said of the state tournament loss. "I think she needs more experience with strong players."

McNair's first-year coach added that Canda will only get better as she gains more experience, plays in more tournaments and continues to develop physically.Taunean said one area that is particularly strong is Canda's mental approach within individual matches -- the perfect compliment to her physical tools.

"I really like the fact that during the season she was always able to focus on what was happening on her court and execute her game plan," Taunean said.